South Barber duo Binning and Erickson are state forensics champions

Binning also takes 2nd in state with her serious solo act

 


“It's been a good 10-plus years since we (South Barber) had a state forensics champ,” teacher and forensic coach Meagan Henry said.

South Barber senior Porsha Binning and junior Ruston Erikson are the state champions in Improvised Duet Acting (IDA) Class 1A. Binning also won another top honor – second in Serious Solo Acting at 1A State Forensics.

Henry said in IDA contestants have to draw for characters, locations and situation. Then the duo has 30 minutes to prepare a 4-7 minute skit that must include all the elements they drew. Their coach said the duo started out strong in their first two preliminary rounds. Then they weren't as strong in round three or the semi-finals.

“They had a really great finals performance that had the judges laughing and clapping,” Henry said.

“Their performance looked like something straight out of a sitcom on TV. Porsha was a pessimist and Ruston was a psychiatrist. They were visiting a museum where he was trying to get her to see the bright side of life. In the process, he got stuck (their situation) in a piece of art, and she ended up superglued to it as well. The art changed her into an optimist, and the situation pushed him to become a pessimist, so the tables turned in the end.”

The state competition was virtual so they didn't know the results until Henry got home from the school and checked the coaches' website. “I nearly cried when I saw that Porsha finished second (after hovering between second and third all day.) The tears kicked in when I saw their final IDA placement.” She said that Porsha and Ruston were able to hear their names announced as state champions.

Reflecting on their state championship Ruston told the Newsgram, “I think that Porsha and I were very open minded and willing to do anything. On top of her amazing public speaking abilities, she had the patience to deal with me. I had an amazing time and there is no one else I would have liked to win state with.”

Porsha said, “It's definitely a huge accomplishment for us having only a few months of practice together, whereas most IDA teams have known each other and competed together for years.”

This is Porsha's first year at South Barber and also to do forensics. “But I've always loved to perform in all the school plays,” she said. Her solo piece is about a young woman (Amy) who finds herself envious of a homecoming queen rival (Becky) in high school. “Amy dedicates her life to revenge,” Porsha said. “However, after attending her high school homecoming reunion, Amy realizes Becky is now paralyzed and has raised a daughter named Amy after her. Becky doesn't show any hatred for her rival.”

Porsha said, “It's an interesting piece because in life I have in fact been both characters. I was able to recall the paralysis I experienced in December (in 2020) and play it realistically."

 

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